Ready to savor a dish where every bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures? Welcome to our Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe, a fuss-free delight that promises a hearty meal with the magic of tender beef and vibrant peppers simmered to perfection. This recipe is a personal favorite, perfect for those days when you crave something comforting without slaving over the stove!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can enjoy delicious meals without being tied to the kitchen.
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a wonderful balance of sweet and savory.
- Tender and Juicy: Cooking the beef slow and low ensures it melts in your mouth!
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables and spices for a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building up the flavors, making it a full-bodied dish you won’t soon forget.
- 1kg (2.2 lb) beef, cut into strips: Opt for a tougher cut of beef; it becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
- 1 red bell pepper, thick slices: Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper, thick slices: Provides a contrasting color and slight bitterness that complements the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped, thick slices: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweetness as it cooks.
- Sauce: Includes 1 beef bouillon cube, ¼ cup light soy sauce, 1 tsp ginger (minced), 1 tsp garlic (crushed), ¼ tsp black pepper, 400g crushed tomatoes, 2 tsp brown sugar: Each component of the sauce contributes a particular note, from savory to sweet, ensuring a rich and complex taste.
- ¼ cup boiling water: Helps dissolve the bouillon cube to intensify the sauce.
- To Thicken: 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 1 Tbsp water: Creates the perfect sauce texture, clinging to each delicious piece of beef and pepper.
Variations
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your palate or dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for hearty mushrooms and chickpeas to maintain a robust texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Meat
In a frypan over high heat, quickly brown the beef strips. This step locks in juices and enhances flavors, but you can skip it if pressed for time.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the boiling water with the beef bouillon cube until dissolved. This mixture becomes the foundation of our rich sauce.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, in the slow cooker, add the browned beef, bell peppers, onion, bouillon mix, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, black pepper, crushed tomatoes, and brown sugar. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Cook Slowly
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic over 6-8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 1 Tbsp water. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens nicely.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Flavor Booster: Consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an added layer of depth.
- Pepper Perfection: If you like your peppers with a slight crunch, add them halfway through the cooking process.
- Tender Beef Tip: Use a tougher cut of beef like chuck; it breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Prep Ahead: Dice your vegetables the night before to save time in the morning.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your pepper steak with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a touch of freshness and color. The mild onion flavor of the green onions adds a nice contrasting note to the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with white or brown rice, as it soaks up the luscious sauce. For a healthier alternative, consider serving it over quinoa or alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pepper steak in a rustic bowl for a comforting, homestyle vibe, or plate it artistically for a more refined presentation. Layer with the rice at the bottom and the beef mixture on top, garnishing with fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more when allowed to sit, making leftovers even more delicious!
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy a cozy meal whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat your pepper steak gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to help maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the beef for another protein?
Absolutely! Chicken or tofu make excellent substitutes, adapting beautifully to the flavors and cooking method of this recipe.
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Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding to the slow cooker?
While not essential, browning the beef first enhances the flavor by adding a rich depth through the Maillard reaction. However, it’s perfectly fine to skip this step if you’re short on time.
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Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. If using fresh tomatoes, consider blanching them first, then pureeing for a smooth consistency.
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What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch for thickening?
Arrowroot or tapioca starch are great alternatives to cornstarch, providing a similar thickening effect without altering the taste.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a comforting Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe that is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. I hope this dish warms your kitchen and your heart as it does mine. Happy cooking, and enjoy each delectable bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 8 Hours
- Total Time: 8 Hours and 30 Minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked with colorful bell peppers and a savory tomato-based sauce. The recipe emphasizes slow cooking to ensure the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender while the peppers retain a slight crunch, creating the perfect comfort meal for busy days.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) beef, cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, thick slices
- 1 green bell pepper, thick slices
- 1 onion, chopped into thick slices
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp garlic, crushed
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 400g (14.1 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tsp brown sugar
To Thicken
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a frypan over high heat, quickly brown the beef strips to develop flavor and color. This step can be skipped if you prefer a quicker preparation or are short on time.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a small bowl, combine boiling water and the beef bouillon cube, stirring until fully dissolved to create a flavorful broth.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the beef, bell peppers, onion, beef bouillon mixture, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, black pepper, crushed tomatoes, and brown sugar into the slow cooker. Mix slightly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Set to Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. About 15 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook on high for 15 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
- Serve: Turn off the slow cooker and serve hot, garnished as desired. Enjoy this hearty dish with rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning at the end if needed, as soy sauce and beef bouillon can add enough saltiness on their own.
- For crisper peppers, add them during the last 4-5 hours of cooking.
- Using a tougher cut of beef is recommended for slow cooking to achieve maximum tenderness.
- Browning the meat enhances flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
